Washington Project for the Arts (WPA) stands with the hundreds of arts nonprofits impacted by the recent decision to reallocate millions of dollars in National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding to projects aligned with priorities determined by the current political administration.

While the full impact is not yet known, in the first grant cycle of 2025 the NEA distributed 1,474 awards totaling $36.8 million across the United States, including Washington, DC. WPA was among these awardees and our grant, like so many others, was revoked last Friday evening, May 2nd, affecting our programming plans for the year ahead.

Attacks on creative freedom are nothing new. We remember the culture wars of the 1990s, and we remember resisting federal efforts to silence artists—especially queer artists, who are once again being targeted today—and how that empowered us and contributed to our survival. As we did then, WPA stands with artists who speak their truth and fight for justice, no matter how uncomfortable that may be for others.

Today’s threat, however, goes beyond censorship—it’s an effort to dismantle the NEA entirely, causing lasting damage to artists and organizations that refuse to conform. Smaller arts groups and the communities we serve are especially at risk, as NEA funding often makes up a more significant portion of our budgets.

If you believe in the value of the arts, now is the time to act. Support local arts organizations affected by these cuts: make a donation, share their stories, and raise awareness about the importance of continued public support through agencies like the NEA.

Below, please find links to resources for organizations and supporters to take action. Stand with us in affirming freedom of expression in the arts (and everywhere!) as essential to the health of a thriving democracy. #ProtectTheNEA

– WPA Staff & Board

Support WPA

• Thank you for helping us recoup our loss ~ by donating here

General Information

• Breaking News Timeline

Quick Links for Supporters

• Social Media Toolkit to Help #ProtectTheNEA
• If you have congressional representation, EMAIL them TODAY here (takes 2 min)
• If you have congressional representation, CALL them TODAY here (takes 2 min)

Links for Organizations

• Americans for the Arts resource page with all Take Action items here
• Holland and Knight, Grant Cancellation resource page here
• National Council of Nonprofits Grant Cancellation resource page here